The Mandarin Garage

[RSVRMAN]

The Mandarin Garage

This is my first house and first garage so mistakes will be made and learned from. I'm in my 20's so I don't have near the experience or spare change as some, but I attempted to make the best with what I currently have. Most of the pictures are from the progress throughout the summer as I continue to work into the winter months. I'm calling it the Mandarin garage as my fiancé is Chinese and helped significantly throughout its progress. We are also planning on painting additional traditional characters once it gets a bit warmer again.
Not long after I moved in I saw some pretty nice google sketchups done and decided to do some myself. On the sketchups you will notice the RSV4 as per my name being a big fan of Aprilia. (Used to have an RSV Factory and a few others).
This site has given most of my inspiration on the general layout and I have outright just stolen some of other GJ's ideas. (Big Thanks) I will still often ask questionable questions as that's because I've little experience so bear with me.
I grew up on a farm and learned to turn a wrench at the local mechanic shop fairly well, but anything that could be used as a shelter I knew nothing about. Youtube and GJ have been saviors in this matter and have saved an unbelievable amount of money on this project.
So anyway here it goes.
I will update pictures as I find them or take them.

 

[RSVRMAN]

Started With this. Fiance being really helpful.

 

[RSVRMAN]

Progress.

Yup insulation *****.

Some Rum and on to mud.

New Tool Box and top Painted

New Compressor and 220 ran and painted.

 

[RSVRMAN]

Will upload some of the more completed pictures when I get some more energy. Bed time with the Garage Dogs.

 

[RSVRMAN]

Got the rest of the pictures. It's a bit cold and heating the garage with the bullet tends to smell so I may be done until spring. I don't need the heat, but paint and everything else does. Some of the pictures are from early winter until now.

Scored these cabinets from work. I believe they are Hon. Anyways they have bearing on the drawers and also only allow one drawer to open at a time. No tip overs! Welded some wheels to the bottom of them.

Working on the workbench as well. Extended it from its original length, lowered and moved the bars so the toolbox can slide under. Also added the receiver. Bought the hookup from HF for about $15.00 with the 20% off. I use it to swap out my grinder or vise.

Paint time.

Yup I totally stole this idea. But I expanded and got more cabinets.

Craigslist find $25.00 No wobble at all.

Finished Pictures.

I'm still currently shopping for lifts. I may even do an in ground one I've seen on here. Probably going to go with the porcelain tile as well. Lighting is still in progress. Though that is put on hold until spring. I will be drilling a shallow well for irrigation first thing spring then back to completing the garage. Any advice is always appreciated!

Thanks for viewing!

 

[55cadillacking]

Well, I think it is safe to say that no one could accuse you of not being prepared! Those schematics are great. Your hard work is already paying off, and when it is all said and finished you will have an amazing garage, but an even greater sense of accomplishment. Keep up the good work.

 

[71virgil]

I will comment on 3 pictures as advice only - #8 - get the woman a bigger drywall knife. She can do a lot more with a 6" knife than what's in her hand. #9 - get the trash cans outside - that will give you more room, less smell, and you'll feel better. #13 - don't cut insulation in a standing position. Lay it on the floor or on a bench. Put a square or piece of wood over it, smash it down and cut swiftly. Measure twice and cut once. Other than that, you're doing fine, enjoy your hard work!

 

[SiGmA_X]

Looks like you're off to a great start! I'd also consider making a insulated and ducted box for your compressor. I put mine in 'another room' basically and it is amazing. Simple duct in and out, we're good to go. You can barely hear it running.

I entirely agree with virgil, too. Using a square, paper side up, on top of a piece of thick cardboard or plywood, smash it down and cut quickly with a box cutter. Makes it go SO much faster! I've never thought insulation sucked, but I cut on the ground, and wear gloves, and don't touch it on myself. If you touch it, then it *****, a lot... lol

How much ceiling height do you have? You may consider changing the lifting mechanism for the garage door in the lift bay so you don't have it above the car. Just an idea, you may have enough height as it stands.

That tire rack you have designed, if you're doing it to show the faces of the wheels, perfect. If you're doing it to maximize space, I'd suggest something more like this:

Good beginner welding project, too! I can give you a sketchup file if you're interested in playing around with it. My design would have been different if I had realized I would need the 4x6 beams behind it. They kind of change how the tires sit in the rack, making it not fit 31's, but my cars use 24.5" tires so no big deal. 11.5ft long, holds 12-15 tires depending on width. If you run Vettes, it'll hold less

 

[rumpity_z28]

Looks great so far one thing I would add though is wear some sort of dust mask or respirator when your dealing with that insulation. The stuff is just nasty

 

[RSVRMAN]

Well, I think it is safe to say that no one could accuse you of not being prepared! Those schematics are great. Your hard work is already paying off, and when it is all said and finished you will have an amazing garage, but an even greater sense of accomplishment. Keep up the good work.

Thanks!

I will comment on 3 pictures as advice only - #8 - get the woman a bigger drywall knife. She can do a lot more with a 6" knife than what's in her hand. #9 - get the trash cans outside - that will give you more room, less smell, and you'll feel better. #13 - don't cut insulation in a standing position. Lay it on the floor or on a bench. Put a square or piece of wood over it, smash it down and cut swiftly. Measure twice and cut once. Other than that, you're doing fine, enjoy your hard work!

She wanted to patch a hole it the wall. I let her use the big drywall knife after taping. I'd love to get the trash cans outside, but association doesn't allow even if it's enclosed/beside the house. Thanks for the advice on cutting insulation. I will defiantly use it next time. As I said I'm new doing all this as I'm more accustomed to turning a wrench.

Looks like you're off to a great start! I'd also consider making a insulated and ducted box for your compressor. I put mine in 'another room' basically and it is amazing. Simple duct in and out, we're good to go. You can barely hear it running.

I entirely agree with virgil, too. Using a square, paper side up, on top of a piece of thick cardboard or plywood, smash it down and cut quickly with a box cutter. Makes it go SO much faster! I've never thought insulation sucked, but I cut on the ground, and wear gloves, and don't touch it on myself. If you touch it, then it *****, a lot... lol

How much ceiling height do you have? You may consider changing the lifting mechanism for the garage door in the lift bay so you don't have it above the car. Just an idea, you may have enough height as it stands.

That tire rack you have designed, if you're doing it to show the faces of the wheels, perfect. If you're doing it to maximize space, I'd suggest something more like this:

Good beginner welding project, too! I can give you a sketchup file if you're interested in playing around with it. My design would have been different if I had realized I would need the 4x6 beams behind it. They kind of change how the tires sit in the rack, making it not fit 31's, but my cars use 24.5" tires so no big deal. 11.5ft long, holds 12-15 tires depending on width. If you run Vettes, it'll hold less

Thanks for the advice! I have my compressor out right now. I may put it above the garage in the future. Still thinking on getting copper lines run for it and easier access.

Looks great so far one thing I would add though is wear some sort of dust mask or respirator when your dealing with that insulation. The stuff is just nasty

Yup my girl got me one after I was coughing a day later from installing everything. I still can't believe how much they helped. Although I look like a meth cooker while wearing it.

 

[Omphaloskeptic]

You garage/shop is coming along nicely; kudos to you both for your efforts.

Since it's too cold to paint in the shop, here's an idea for a project you both can tackle while sitting in the living room and display in your shop or wherever. I hope it is appropriate and meaningful to you both.

 

[Bib Overalls]

You stole that drill press.

 

[JimVonBaden]

Lucky man, and beautiful GF!

The garage looks great so far!

Jim

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

Cute wife? CHECK!
...who helps? CHECK!
Cool, though badass looking dogs? CHECK!
Big garage for a young guy? CHECK!
Big compressor? CHECK!
Welder? CHECK!
Have a plan? CHECK!

You're flying guy. And it all looks good.

One quick question: With the compressor on those skates, doesn't it dance around when its turned on?